4 Abus killed and 7 Firearms recovered in the continuing WestMinCom operations

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 6, 2017) - Early Sunday morning, the troops of the 64th Marine Company, Marine Special Operations Group under 1LT Alvarez while conducting focused military operations encountered Abu Sayyaf group at Brgy. Lumipad, Talipao, Maimbung Sulu, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Colonel Cirilito Sobejana of the JTF Sulu deployed the marines after informants reported the presence of the bandits in the area since Saturday night.

At about 4:30am early Sunday, a heavy firefight erupted shortly after the marines arrived in the area.

Cpt. Petinglay said, Abus immediately scampered to different directions when the fighting started and immediately fled the area of encounter.

Cpt. Petiglay added that after scouring the site of encounter, marines found four (4) dead bodies of the ASG members and recovered seven (7) high powered firearms.

"These successes would not be possible if not for the swift reaction of the troops and the help of the informants", MGen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr said.

"Our troops are more than motivated to go after these bandits who know nothing but to victimize innocent civilians for their own personal gain."

"Rest assured that your WestMinCom troops will not stop until these bandits surrender and are no longer able to create havoc and fear in the communities", MGen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr added.

As of press time, skirmishes are still ongoing with the marines on hot pursuit operation to the fleeing Abus.